Medicine Program
OVERVIEW
The medicine program provides care and treatment to patients greater than 14 years of age who have an acute medical condition.
From diagnosis to discharge you will have a multidisciplinary care team providing patient-focused care. You and your family will be involved in all aspects of planning for your care. Discharge is coordinated to allow a seamless transition back into the community; long-term care facility, complex continuing care or rehabilitation.
Medicine Program Services:
OUR TEAM
During your hospital stay you will meet other members of the Medicine team who might include: Your Physician, other Physicians such as consultants or specialists, Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, Clinical Nutritionists, Chaplains, Social Work, CCAC, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Infection Control and Utilization Resource Coordinators.
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
This section contains important information that may help you prepare for your visit and keep you comfortable and informed while you are here.
FAQ's
If you have any questions, please ask a member of your care team.
If you are having difficulty communicating with your healthcare provider please let the charge nurse, program manager or clinical practice manager know. We are here to help you and can help to ensure that you have the information you require, to feel that you are part of your treatment and have input into your plan of care. If you or your family would like to have a special meeting or discussion regarding your plan of care and any specific needs that you may have, please contact the charge nurse, program manager, or clinical practice manager. We will be happy to arrange this for you and ensure that you are actively involved in planning your care.
|
| Sometimes it is difficult for family members to be here when your doctor comes to see you. If your family has questions for the doctor or would like to discuss any aspects of your care, ask your nurse to help to arrange this. We can help to set up alternatives, such as a specific meeting time, or phone calls that can help.
|
| If you have fears or require support from us please let us know. We are here to help you. We have many different health care providers available to assist you. We can also contact pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support, social workers, mental health nurses, and other specialists that can assist you based on your needs and wants.
|
In general you will be ready to go home when:
- You have not had a fever for 24 hours
- You are able to eat and drink adequate amounts.
- Your pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure are stable.
- Your blood tests are within normal range.
- Any x-rays or ultrasounds ordered are normal.
- Your discharge plans are in place.
- Your physician decides that you are ready for discharge.
Depending upon the reason for your admission, you may be discharged home on medications or be booked for further testing. Your nurse and doctor will provide you with information about any further tests or any medications that may be prescribed. Please ask any questions that you have and we will be happy to answer them for you.
If you require further follow up in the community we can help to set up referrals for you. |
| When a diagnosis has been made that requires a special diet, your nurse, doctor and clinical dietitian can discuss with you any specific needs that you may have in hospital and after discharge. If you require special diet assistance after discharge community referrals and support will be arranged for you. Unless you have been told otherwise, you usually have resumed a normal diet before you are discharged and may resume your normal diet at home as tolerated. If you are unable to eat or drink adequate amounts after you go home, you should contact your family doctor.
|
CONTACT US
Director Medicine Program
Kristi Cecile
519-254-5577, ext. 31055
Kristi.Cecile@wrh.on.ca